By MARC STRYKER and JOHN HOWE
Renovations have begun on main street in Pleasant Grove in the city’s effort to restore its downtown image.
Construction vehicles will be crowding the central business district for the next two months as they perform the renovations. Business owners and residents recognized the need for both practical and aesthetic improvements.
“Our downtown was sort of dying,” Pleasant Grove city councilmember Carol Harmer said. “So (the city) decided that because of the historic value of the buildings, they needed to revitalize downtown.”
Harmer said that the city sent out surveys to Pleasant Grove residents, asking them for input on how the new city center should appear.
Citizens decided that older is better, with a return to the late 19th century.
The new look will feature monuments describing the history of the area, widened cobblestone sidewalks, brick pillars, lantern-like street lamps and a promenade going from 100 West toward a new community center.
While the downtown undergoes an old-fashioned makeover, much of the utilities will be modernized, such as the storm water and sewer system. Improved parking along main street is also on the agenda.
Since construction began, businesses have noticed a reduction in sales. Visitors are experiencing difficulties gaining access to main street stores. Despite these setbacks, however, businesses are hoping for a brighter future.
Craig Smith, owner of Smith Rexall Drug, said his family has owned the business for over 70 years. He’s experiencing a 20 percent decrease in sales during the renovations.
“It’s a little inconvenience now, but I think we need to let people know that we want them to come into Pleasant Grove,” Smith said.
Smith expects that the city center will attract potential customers who would have never considered shopping on main street previously.
Melanie Miller, owner of Melanie’s Gourmet Gardens, is excited the project is finally taking place. Since she started her business three years ago, she noticed that the deteriorated appearance of downtown was driving customers away.
She took an active role in pushing the city to begin the project.
“I think it should have happened a long time ago,” Miller said. “I don’t think (the city) has been quite as concerned as I wanted them to be because I’ve invested so much here,” she said.
The cost of the project is about $420,000, which will be funded by a Redevelopment Agency tax increment over the next ten years.
Pleasant Grove plans to finish renovations by June 1st, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for June 5th.
